BENFEITO Meaghan

General
RETIREMENT THOUGHTS
She plans to retire from the sport following the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. "What I want more than anything is to fully enjoy my last Olympic Games. I want to live every moment, taste every emotion. And above all, I hope to keep smiling, whatever happens." She had previously considered retirement after diving partner Roseline Filion retired in January 2017, but was encouraged to remain in the sport by coach Arturo Miranda. "I had a rough year losing Rosie. I was questioning everything. We grew up together. I already knew that she was retiring but it really hadn't hit me until it was officially announced. We'd been diving together for 11 years. If I was asked that question [retirement] in 2012, I would have said I would like to walk away with Rosie. But after changing coaches to train with Arturo Miranda, he motivated me more than ever. I didn't know if I wanted to continue, but I'm happy I did because I think I have a lot left in me." (journaldequebec.com, 26 Apr 2021; ici.radio-canada.ca, 24 Jul 2020, 08 Aug 2019; cbc.ca, 29 Apr 2018, 26 Jan 2017, 10 Apr 2018)

APARTMENT BLAZE
In January 2021 her apartment was destroyed by fire after a neighbour's barbecue exploded. Another 14 homes were destroyed in the blaze. She lost all her belongings including the three diving medals she won at the Olympic Games in 2012 and 2016. "There is absolutely nothing recoverable. Of course, it's sad. But most importantly Alex [Dupuis, partner] and I are healthy and alive. Everyone got out without being hurt. I don't sleep well. I'm more mentally drained than physically, but I'm still able to function. It's draining because that's all you talk about, from the moment you wake up until you go to sleep, or try to sleep." (olympics.com, 04 Feb 2021; olympics.nbcsports.com, 01 Feb 2021)

HERITAGE
Her parents Arthur Benfeito and Margarida Correia are both of Portuguese heritage. "Being Portuguese is something special. I always say that I do compete for Canada, but everything that I do and all of my performances are recognised by Portugal as well, and that's very important. I have two countries that are behind me. I couldn't ask for more support than that. I'm very family oriented, so to have two families like that from two different countries is absolutely amazing." (GenteDaNossa YouTube channel, 18 Nov 2017; olympic.ca, 01 Aug 2016)